Reg Down brings his Tiptoe Lightly stories for children 3 to 8 on March 25th. On April 4, Danika Dinsmore leads a workshop and does a reading from her book for children 8 and up, Brigitta of the White Forest. Both books feature strong, resourceful fairies using their wits and courage to face challenge.

Reg Down, author of The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly,will be performing at Art Beast on March 25th at Noon.

The storytelling-puppet show is taken from The Bee who Lost his Buzz, the first adventure in the book The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly. It follows the fairy Tiptoes Lightly and Jeremy Mouse after they find a note on the floor begging them to come to Bee’s rescue. They sail down Running River in Tiptoes’ acorn cap boat and discover that poor Bee has had his buzz snagged by one of grumpy Mr. Cactus’s thorns. After they rescue the unfortunate Buzz they wander on until they come to Soggy Mire and meet Mr. Frog and his adoring fan, little Tadpole.

The event is included with admission. Come early and join in our Family Workshop that day from 10 am to noon. We will be making Kaleidoscopes. It's also included with admission!

On Monday, April 4th, older elementary children can come for an exciting event. Visiting Author and Artist-in-the-Schools Danika Dinsmore will lead her IMAGINARY WORLDS WRITERS WORKSHOP from 4 to 6 pm.

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The workshop will be followed by a 7 pm book reading of her new novel about a fearless fairy: Brigetta of the White Forest. The reading is free.

Details about the workshop: You've been lost in the imaginary worlds created by authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Wouldn't it be great to make your own imaginary world? A world with its own rules, history, magic and mysteries? Having an imaginary world of your own gives you a jumping off place for an infinite number of stories and adventures. Whether you're interested in writing your own book or in simply enjoying the creative process, this workshop will give you worldbuilding exercises to complete in workshop and on your own. Workshop designed for children 9 and older.

About the Author: Danika Dinsmore has been working and playing with children in a variety of settings for 18 years. She co-created Washington State’s first youth poetry slam and developed a curriculum guide for teaching poetry in the schools. She also produced the Seattle Poetry Festival’s Emerging Voice spokenword program for teens. She has worked as an artist-in-the-schools for Learning Through the Arts and taught writing courses at Vancouver Film School, Capilano University, and Creative Writing for Children. Her awards include the Washington State Poets Association award for Performance Poetry and the “Best Fresh Voice” Screenwriting Award from the Female Eye Film Festival.

What people are saying about the Imaginary Worlds Workshop:

"Danika brings energy and enthusiasm into the classroom. She instills in children the conviction that they can be empowered by finding their own voices."
~Tony Chursky, teacher, Charles Wright Academy

"[Danika's workshop] was really, really fun . . . it was a bazillion really funs!"
~Olivia, 1st Grade, Loyal Heights Elementary School

"Her ability to bring out the best in writers, give them confidence in their own abilities and instincts is nothing short of remarkable. Her manner is life affirming and transformative."
~Paul Nelson, President, It Plays in Peoria Productions

**Event Details: The Imaginary Worlds Workshop will land at ART BEAST on Monday, April 4.

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm**

Registration: $15 per child. Please call Art Beast at 916-441-1233 to register or register online here.  We recommend registering early to ensure a spot.

The workshop will be followed by a book reading at 7 pm of Danika’s novel Brigitta of the White Forest.
The reading will be free and may be held at Time Tested Books, two blocks from Art Beast

About the Book: ****Brigitta is a young Water Faerie. She’s anxious about going through The Change as she doesn’t see how destiny markings on her wings should determine her life’s path. Before the annual Festival of the Elements, Brigitta is flying with her tag‐a‐long sister when a mysterious curse turns everyone in the White Forest to stone, except for the two of them. They have no idea why they were not cursed, but they do know if they don’t turn everyone back in time, the Hourglass of Protection will run out and so will its protective field around the forest. With no one left to help, they must leave the protected realm to seek an exiled faerie they have only heard about in tales.

More info at: www.thewhiteforest.com